So how does a band that has played only a handful of
gigs and has one solitary track on SoundCloud cause a feeding frenzy
amongst record labels? Well, PRETTY VICIOUS have managed it and hopefully
a night at the sold out Clwb Ifor Bach in Cardiff will explain why.

However, that was a while off when opening act THE CRADLES
sauntered onto stage in front of what was a respectably sized crowd,
given the early hour of the night. Looking young, brash and bristling
with attitude they gave a good account of themselves. Lead singer
Kieran has certainly borrowed a few moves from the Liam Gallagher's
playbook, but for me the show was stolen by their bass player who
seemed to be (literally) dancing to his own drum, throwing poses and
practically body popping. Good on ya, young man!

Having recently bought their debut EP I was looking
forward to catching co-headliners THE HEARTS in the flesh. Clearly
battled hardened by regular gigging, and having scaled the heady heights
of supporting Paul Weller and Arcade Fire, they are both formidable
and impressive live. Whilst inevitably front man Alex Nash steals
most of the limelight, the band are supplemented by the sturdy backbeat
of Hamish Kay, Jamie Roberts and Philip Jenkins. With all bands playing
a shortened set tonight, they still included both tracks from the
aforementioned debut release. The infuriatingly catchy "Lips"
surfacing mid set and then closing a tight, professional and hugely
entertaining run through was the anthemic "Celebrate". Definitely
a band I look forward to seeing again soon.

Having just signed to Virgin PRETTY VICIOUS now come
with a couple of guitar techs, which seems a bit overkill for lads
aged between 16 to 18. But I guess that's what comes with being the
hottest bands in the UK , having been highly recommended by such knowledgeable
sources such as XFM, The Sunday Times and NME. Having seen many bands
hailed as the next big thing (and most unfortunately falling by the
wayside) their biggest threat would be not living up to the hype.
However, that's a concern for another day as they take the stage in
the now packed out venue knowing that, for tonight anyway, success
was a given playing, as they were, in practically their own back yard.

Clearly a large chunk of the bands' success revolves
around their charismatic lead singer Brad Griffiths. Whilst his voice
appeared to be suffering from the rigours of their first bout of sustained
touring, he could still delivered rasping, snarling vocals when required.
When added to his accomplished guitar playing and the surprising proficient
sound made by the rest of the band, they put on a show that belied
their tender years.

Most of the songs stayed close to a traditional rock
feel but, given that they are only just starting out on their journey
as a band, that's not unsurprising. Whilst most numbers were new to
me, they were still enjoyable none the less. However their short,
but sweet, set was brought to a close by the track that has gained
them so much attention "Cave Song". Rattling along somewhere
between Oasis, the Clash and the Libertines it is self evident why
this has garnered them so much attention.

So, are they the great white hopes of the stagnant British
rock scene? Well, its hard to tell at this point as they are undoubtedly
raw and inexperienced. However, there is clearly potential and, with
the right management, there is no reason to believe they won't go
on to global success and adulation.

The UK music scene desperately needs a fresh injection
of talent and excitement and maybe, just maybe, PRETTY VICOIOUS will
fill that role.